Women bear disproportionate HIV burden as treatment gaps persist

HIV remains a significant health issue in South Africa, with women disproportionately affected. As of the latest data, 7.8 million people are living with HIV, with 5.1 million of them being women, representing a 15.7% prevalence rate. Despite national efforts in treatment and viral suppression, gaps persist. At a recent NHLS public webinar, Dr Leigh Berrie highlighted that while 6.1 million people are on antiretroviral treatment in South Africa, only 4.2 million of them are women.

The UNAIDS 2030 95-95-95 strategy aims to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, with South Africa currently at 96% status awareness, 82% on treatment, and 97% viral suppression. However, younger women, particularly adolescent girls, face a higher risk of HIV infection. Stigma, lack of awareness, and education, along with low uptake of prevention services, contribute to the burden.

For pregnant women, low attendance at antenatal care and low uptake of viral load testing for women living with HIV exacerbate the situation. Dr Nokukhanya Msomi of the NHLS/University of KwaZulu-Natal emphasized that women living with HIV face a higher risk of cervical cancer due to a sixfold increased risk of HPV infection. Addressing gaps in early detection and care, such as low coverage of routine screening and missed opportunities to screen for HPV, is crucial to reducing the impact on women.